Local Entrepreneurs Encouraged To ‘Franchise-It’

The ‘Franchise It’ programme will provide information, advice and guidance on what’s available using the franchising business model, highlighting that franchises enjoy a 91% success rate, find it easier to access funding and despite popular belief, the costs of franchises start at as little as £2,000. The programme was launched locally by Ards Borough Council, Ards Business Centre and Franchising NI, Northern Ireland’s Franchising experts, in November 2012 and has proven so successful that a second wave has now began. Part of a wider SEED initiative, the scheme includes five other councils – Armagh City & District Council, Banbridge District Council, Craigavon Borough Council, Down District Council and Newry & Mourne District Council.  Chairman of Ards Borough Council’s Development Committee, Alderman Robert Gibson, said: “People often shy away from self-employment because it can be seen as a high risk option, but taking on a franchise increases the chances of starting a successful business.  The ‘Franchise It’ programme aims to equip local people who have an interest in becoming a franchisee with a unique chance to establish not only what opportunities there are, but which would be the best fit for their skills, experience and aspirations”. Franchising is defined as “the practice of using another firm’s established and successful business model” and is currently on the rise in Northern Ireland, with many successful local businesses now looking to team up with the right local person to grow their business.  Barry Kelly, Franchising Services Manager at Franchising NI commented: “A number of franchisees on the first wave of this programme recently attended the International Franchise Show in London. This provided them with the perfect opportunity to explore and begin to source international franchise opportunities for the Northern Ireland Market.”